Brand New! “Faith in the Freshman” Feature with News Journalist Mark Concannon
Recently news journalist Mark Concannon visited Concordia’s campus and interviewed Andrew and me for a feature that he was producing on the book. As you watch, please ignore my poor defensive skills. It wasn’t that long ago that I could take Andrew one-on-one, was it? Actually, it has been a few years, but those days are behind me. I was disappointed that they didn’t use any of the deep bombs that I hit on the video. Maybe there were none. I don’t remember.
In any case, enjoy the feature. Until somebody buys the movie rights to the book and puts “Faith in the Freshman” on film, or until the documentary is produced for an ESPN special, this will cover it pretty well!
Andrew Invited to Join “Athletes in Action” in China
Before he heads to Ithaca and Cornell later in August, Andrew has accepted the invitation to join an Athletes in Action team traveling to China. Read the rest of this entry »
A Letter from an 18-Year-Old who Relates to “Faith in the Freshman”
I was grateful for the following letter from Eric, an 18-year-old who deals with Type 1 diabetes every day. Many of Concordia’s freshmen will read the book this fall. Few of them will relate to the story like Eric does!
Dear Dr. Ferry, I am currently reading your book Faith in the Freshmen. I’m an 18 year old kid who has diabetes, just like your son Andrew. In the small town of Sussex, WI, all I have thought about since i was young was the game of basketball. Basketball has rewarded me in so many ways, including keeping me fit, which helps keeping my blood sugars in tact. Your story is moving and motivational to me. Being a freshmen in high school I made the JV team. Then my sophomore year I was placed on varsity because, like your son, I can shoot the lights out. Due to some unfortunate circumstances I had to quit right before my junior year. Not playing for my last two years of high school really upset me and I still practice daily and have a passion for the game. I was wondering if you could give me some advice of how to get my name out to college coaches. I miss the competitive nature of the game, Division I, Division II, Division III, JUCO, it doesn’t matter…the love I have for the game is amazing, and playing college basketball, no matter what level, has been a dream of mine. If you don’t have the time to lend me some advice that is completely fine. Once again thank you for the amazing story that has truly changed my life. Also thank you for reading this e-mail. Sincerely, Eric Moderski
About the Town
Over the last several weeks, Faith in the Freshman speaking engagements have kept me busy around town. I have met lots of nice people who are doing some great things in our community. Read the rest of this entry »
Cornell Hoops Blog. . .
Click here for the Cornell Hoops blog and Andrew’s place among transfers to the basketball program.
Another update about Andrew and Cornell
Another update from the Cornell Hoops blog about Andrew’s place among transfers. Let me know what you think. ~Pat
http://cornellbasketball.blogspot.com/2010/05/news-and-notes-wednesday-edition_19.html#more
From the mailbag for this week —
I continue to receive letters from readers of the book, and I am grateful for the chance to share them here. From this week’s mailbag. . . . .
Dear Dr. Ferry,
I can’t tell you how much I was completely uplifted by your book. As a new Christian, every time I get such faith lessons, I just have to drop down to the floor and thank God for softening my heart. My brother-in-law, and a very, very important spiritual leader to me, Steven Smith, gave me the book as a present for Christmas. Read the rest of this entry »
An update from Andrew…Cornell!
I’ll let Andrew speak for himself this time. Here is what he has to say, “After much consideration, thought, and prayer, I have made my decision to attend Cornell University. I believe Cornell is the perfect place to pursue my basketball goals as well as receive a high quality education. I am looking forward to getting started and getting back into the NCAA Tournament next year! Thanks for all the support and prayers!”
So, it is official, Andrew has decided to attend Cornell University next year. The links below are from the website and blog that covers Cornell basketball (and they do so very thoroughly! You will be able to follow Cornell as they defend their Ivy League championship and make their way back to the NCAA tournament once again. Badgers fans beware!).
http://cornellbasketball.blogspot.com/2010/03/recruiting-news-ferry-to-cornell.html
http://cornellbasketball.blogspot.com/2010/04/news-and-notes-afternoon-edition_18.html#more
Port Washington High School Boys’ Basketball Banquet
Last night I had the opportunity to speak for the Port Washington High School basketball banquet. A great team with great coaches, kids, and parents. Here are a few photos of a Faith in the Freshman book signing that followed.
59th Annual CIT
What a weekend at CUW! The 59th annual CIT was played in front of a huge, enthusiastic crowd. Special kudos to the CUW Falcon men following their tournament championship. A narrow 69-68 victory on Friday over Chicago was followed by an impressive 91-73 victory over Seward. Congratulations, also, to the Seward women who defeated our Falcons in the women’s championship game.
Andrew Ferry Update
Occasionally readers of “Faith in the Freshman” have asked me about updates on Andrew Ferry’s sophomore season. Now 20 games into the schedule, Andrew ranks 28th in the nation in scoring among Juco players at 19.1 points per game. Read the rest of this entry »
A Review Outside the “Intimate Inner Circle”
I’ve received another review to share. – Pat
Dear Dr. Ferry,
I wanted to drop you a note just to let you know that someone outside your “intimate inner circle” thoroughly enjoyed your book. I could relate to your story on so many levels and was amazed that both of us even have a daughter named Rachel (ours however is Rachael). The years for me have flown by also and can’t believe I will be turning 50 very soon. Read the rest of this entry »
Contact Pat Ferry
Patrick Ferry at Next Chapter Bookstore (Feb 2, 2010)
I recently had the privilege of visiting Next Chapter Bookstore. They put the event up on their YouTube channel and I have embedded it below. It has been separated into parts click the Read More link for the rest.~Pat
Part 2…
Read the rest of this entry »